About WFNH: Who We Are
The Women’s Fund of New Hampshire is committed to supporting programs that empower and build self-esteem in women and girls. WFNH seeks out projects that hold the promise of ensuring women and girls a lifetime of economic self-sufficiency. Through collaborative work, WFNH strives to help women attain the goals of continuous access to job training, livable wages, healthcare resources, secure shelter and educational opportunities. The Women’s Fund seeks to improve the lives of women and girls through social change grantmaking; educate the community about the potential of women and girls, as well as to encourage and teach philanthropy by and for women.
The Women’s Fund of New Hampshire is a 501(c)(3), public foundation, run by a Board of Directors and a small Staff. The Women’s Fund of New Hampshire does not receive any state or federal funding. We are supported through private gifts and a growing, permanent endowment. We have an annual operating budget of $325,000 and dedicate 75% of our financial resources to grants and programs; 25% of our budget to administration and fundraising. Since 1999, we have supported more than 150 programs in the state, with $500,000 in grant funding. These programs serve women and girls, and also men and boys—each year approximately 20% of program participants are male. As a young organization, we continue to build our endowment to ensure a permanent fund for communities throughout the Granite State. The endowment has just reached the one million dollar mark! Thank you to the hundreds of donors each year who make our success possible.
The Women’s Fund is unique in its ability to offer women and girls an opportunity to make a difference, either in their own lives or in the lives of others. We make a difference by spotlighting issues facing women and girls in New Hampshire; by encouraging women and girls – of all means – to be generous with their time, money and wisdom; and by strategic choices in our grantmaking program.
WFNH Vision: The Women's Fund of New Hampshire will be the leader in bringing about social change that strengthens New Hampshire's communities by enabling all women and girls to reach their full potential.
WFNH Mission: The Women's Fund of New Hampshire is a statewide foundation dedicated to encouraging philanthropy among women and girls, improving the lives of women and girls through social change grantmaking, and educating the community about the potential of women and girls.
WFNH Guiding Principles and Values:
- We are responsible stewards of philanthropic resources.
- We strive to hear and include all voices that speak for women and girls.
- We continue to listen and learn.
- We are collaborative and work to leverage resources.
Click here to access an article on Social Change Grantmaking (in PDF format) written by Jill G. Schiffman, former Chairman of WFNH's Board of Directors. If you need Adobe Acrobat, you may download the free Acrobat Reader by clicking this link.